Elegance Bratton is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and producer whose bold and deeply human stories have redefined contemporary cinema. A former U.S. Marine who overcame a decade of homelessness, Bratton uses his art to illuminate the lives of those often overlooked — driven by a profound belief in the universal power of our shared humanity.
His work has screened at over 200 film festivals worldwide, including Sundance, Toronto, New York Film Festival, BFI, Thessaloniki, and BlackStar. Named one of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch for 2023, Bratton’s filmmaking spans both narrative and documentary with fearless authenticity.
Bratton made his television debut as creator and executive producer of Viceland’s My House, which was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for its groundbreaking portrayal of underground ballroom culture. His award-winning documentary Pier Kids earned the Independent Spirit Truer Than Fiction Award, spotlighting Black, queer, and trans homeless youth in New York City.
Bratton’s narrative feature debut The Inspection (A24), a semi-autobiographical story about a young gay Marine seeking acceptance, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and closed the New York Film Festival to critical acclaim — earning nominations from the Golden Globes, Film Independent Spirit Awards, and Gotham Awards.
He is currently in pre-production on By Any Means, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg. Bratton co-runs the production company Freedom Principle with producing partner Chester Algernal Gordon, continuing their mission to tell stories that inspire, challenge, and uplift.
Bratton holds degrees from Columbia University and NYU Tisch, and lives in Baltimore with his partner.